The Face Unlock feature on the Redmi Note 5 Pro is touted to be faster than the fingerprint scanner. However, it is certainly not as secure as the fingerprint scanner. Xiaomi India's Lead Product Manager Jai Mani at the launch event elaborated the artificial intelligence (AI) tweaks empowering the Face Unlock. Xiaomi is bringing the Face Unlock feature through the MIUI v9.2.4 NEIMIEK update that comes in 1.6GB. The new software update also includes camera improvements and stability optimisations.

The Redmi Note 5 Pro comes in two variants, with 4GB and 6GB RAM options. Running Android Nougat-based MIUI 9, the dual-SIM Redmi Note 5 Pro (Review) features a 5.99-inch full-HD (1080x2160 pixels) display with 18:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 636 SoC, paired with Adreno 509 GPU and either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. It has a dual camera setup on the back, with 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel camera sensors. On the front, the handset has a 20-megapixel Sony IMX376 sensor that is accompanied by an LED selfie-light module.

Further, there is 64GB onboard storage that is expandable via microSD card and a 4000mAh battery. The smartphone offers 4G, VoLTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS as connectivity options. The device comes with a dual rear camera setup. The smartphone flaunts 12MP and 5MP sensors at the rear end with LED flash. The 12MP primary camera has aperture f/2.2 and the secondary 5MP shooter has aperture f/2.0. The front of the device houses a 20MP selfie camera with LED flash. This is the first Xiaomi smartphone to come with a 20MP selfie camera.

Most Xiaomi smartphones exhibit the best build quality and designs across various price points. The new Redmi Note 5 Pro is no exception to this Xiaomi ritual — there’s an all-glass surface up front with a taller form factor (thanks to the 18:9 display) and a metal-plastic combo to the rear (there are plastic ends on top and bottom to conceal the antenna). The rear is pretty reminiscent of the Apple iPhone X — courtesy the iPhone X-inspired vertically stacked dual camera setup, which is a positive point for those looking to show-off. ■